Steve Popper

Popper: Should the Knicks want the Pistons or Cavs in East finals? While the Knicks rest up after sweeping the 76ers, Cleveland and Detroit are slugging it out in the other Eastern Conference semifinal. newsday.com/app/sports/col…

Even if I was killing Harden for his sloppy play down the stretch, he is maybe the most skilled (SGA ahead of him maybe, but questionable) player at creating a shot and drawing a foul. In a close game, that counts -- but so does his preseason focus on passes and defensive intensity. Just a confounding combination of skill and frustration.

This is all I keep thinking about both of these teams is the fact neither can effectively execute down the stretch. The Knicks will crush them in the big moments, I feel very confident saying that. Pistons depend on hero ball, Cavs depend on chuck ball.

Popper: Knicks confident in facing either Cavs or Pistons in East finals - mixing “good vibes” with an edge. They are rested, playing well and healthy — OG Anunoby was at practice Wednesday working through some parts of the session. newsday.com/sports/columni…

Popper: Knicks confident in facing either Cavs or Pistons in East finals They are rested, playing well and healthy — OG Anunoby was at practice Wednesday working through some parts of the session. newsday.com/sports/columni…

@michaelkasdan It is crazy -- Tobias and Jenkins can get hot, but almost everything they do is based off Cade. I am shocked at how little they've gotten out of Duren.

@StevePopper Another 6 turnovers from Cade Cunningham and 48 minutes played, as Detroit is again one game from elimination. They are rugged, and he is a great player, but the guy can’t do it all alone offensively.

At least the Knicks can condense their scouting report no matter who advances: "Just let them implode." Terrible, sloppy play by Cavs, Pistons so reliant on Cade to do everything. took Cavs until final minutes to send a second defender at Cade.

@wolfman5469 Also, as I said, Harden can in a moment create -- but defense is terrible, passing is sloppy, he looks completely gassed.

@wolfman5469 If you are watching this game and don't see the slop I don't know what to tell you. Close the boxscore. Look at the game.

Kenny, please. Schröder, just walk to the scorer's table.

So Detroit -- seeing they're getting little from Duren, go to Reed and get a spark. Cleveland, just keeps riding Harden and waiting for something to change. I know Harden can create and turn a game -- but man, I'd put in Schröder.

I'm going to assume Kenny Atkinson has reminded the Cavs to take care of the ball and these lazy, sloppy turnovers are on the players -- and not just Harden, but other very talented offensive players. In which case, Kenny might break some things tonight.

8 minutes left, chance for James Harden to shake the playoff rep. ... Annnnd, silly turnover and foul, then gets Wade stuck on a play that results in a jump ball, and then another turnover. Just crazy sloppy play from a Hall of Fame-bound veteran.

NBA makes start date official.

Lot of talk about how this change came about today -- and Jalen Brunson said no hesitation with plan to take ball out of his hands. Why? "One, I’m not a star. Two, I want to win." Asked why he doesn't consider himself a star: "I’m not self-centered, that’s why."

Mike Brown said OG Anunoby practiced in some aspects -- didn't participate in live scrimmage.

Josh Hart arrives in media session with his friend's dog who apparently has him dog-sitting. This is what happens when you don't know your opponent.

Brown's gamble with Towns' role has paid off for Knicks The coach decided to make the big man more of a facilitator and the results have been “Magic”. newsday.com/app/sports/bas…